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Prevalence and Risk Markers of Challenging Behavior Among Children with Disabilities

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Abstract

Children with disabilities are more likely to engage in some form of challenging behavior. The present study sought to investigate the prevalence of challenging behaviors, such as aggressive/destructive or stereotypic behavior, and identify those personal and contextual risk markers associated with the occurrence of challenging behaviors. A total of 205 children with intellectual disability enrolled in a special education school participated in this study. Fifteen professionals participated in this study and responded to two questionnaires via an interview format. Of the sample, 60% were identified as displaying some form of challenging behavior. Both personal and environmental factors within this school were identified as significant predictors of at least one form of behavior. Findings highlight the need to invest in further research to identify personal and environmental variables that may act as risk markers for challenging behaviors in a specific educational setting to customize the services and supports provided.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Ramon Llull University, c/ Císter, 34, 08022, Barcelona, Spain

    David Simó-Pinatella, Cristina Mumbardó-Adam, Joana Maria Mas, Natasha Baqués & Ana Luisa Adam-Alcocer

  2. Institute for Measurement, Methodology, Analysis & Policy, Texas Tech University, 2500 Broadway, Lubbock, TX, 79409, USA

    Esteban Montenegro-Montenegro

  3. AMPANS, Crta. Manresa – Santpedor qm 4.400, 08251, Santpedor, Manresa, Spain

    Alba Cortina

Authors
  1. David Simó-Pinatella
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  2. Cristina Mumbardó-Adam
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  3. Esteban Montenegro-Montenegro
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  4. Alba Cortina
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  5. Joana Maria Mas
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  6. Natasha Baqués
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  7. Ana Luisa Adam-Alcocer
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Contributions

DSP and CMA designed and executed the study, assisted with the data analyses, and wrote the paper; EMM analyzed the data and wrote part of the results; AC collaborated with the design of the study and data collection; and JM, NB, and AAA collaborated in the writing and editing of the final manuscript. All authors have contributed to, seen, and approved of the manuscript and agreed to the order of authors as listed on the title page.

Corresponding author

Correspondence to David Simó-Pinatella.

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Simó-Pinatella, D., Mumbardó-Adam, C., Montenegro-Montenegro, E. et al. Prevalence and Risk Markers of Challenging Behavior Among Children with Disabilities. Adv Neurodev Disord 1, 158–167 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1007/s41252-017-0022-8

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s41252-017-0022-8

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